Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a beautiful souvenir flag made for Sergeant Francis Eckenrode, Company B, 73rd Heavy Tank Battalion. The 73rd served during World War II and the Korean War, using the M4 Sherman and M26 Pershing tanks during the latter.

This flag measures 30x34”. The top two corners have gold-colored reinforcement with strings attached. It is hand-painted “To Mother FRANCIS ECKENRODE” and features a dragon, the flags of the US, Korea, Japan, and the United Nations. The flag is originally Japanese with the I Corps insignia painted in the middle with his unit and years in Korea (1951-1952). Under the read circle are the islands of Japan and Korea with locations pinpointed. On each side of the circle are the locations Eckenrode traveled to in both Korea and Japan. There is much more painted that showcases locations in both Korea and Japan. This flag is in phenomenal shape for its age and considering its fragility and material.

Francis Ferdinand Eckenrode was born on May 20th, 1928, in Cambria Country, Pennsylvania. He served as a Sergeant in Company A, 73rd Heavy Tank Battalion in Korea and Japan during the Korean War, being awarded a Bronze Star for his service. He sent this souvenir flag home to his mother.

The souvenir flag came to us from the American Armored Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this flag was acquired.